Volunteer

Gryphon Place Volunteer Opportunities

We would not be able to help those in conflict and crisis in our community without the wonderful and committed volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to Gryphon Place. There are many ways for volunteers to join us in our mission!

Are you a new or returning Gryphon Place volunteer? Welcome back, it's good to see you! You'll notice, when you click the blue 'Volunteer' box below, that our database has changed to serve you better. Just click the box to go our site, and then click the blue 'Become a Fan' of Gryphon Place box, and create an account. This will allow you to see Gryphon Place volunteer opportunities and events. We think you're going to love it!

Gryphon Place is the volunteer center for Kalamazoo. We offer not only volunteer matching but programs that can change the way you work with volunteers. Are you interested in taking your volunteers to the next level? Browse our unique programming below.

Volunteer Kalamazoo

Gryphon Place has taken on the services of Volunteer Kalamazoo as of August 2016. Our Volunteer Services builds capacity for effective local volunteering, connects people with opportunities to volunteer and promotes volunteerism in our community. Gryphon Place is honored to connect our community to volunteer services.

Get Connected Database

Gryphon Place connects volunteers with organizations that need them by managing a volunteer matching database called Get Connected. Get Connected allows nonprofit agencies to post volunteer needs, events, and manage volunteers in one centralized location. Volunteers are able to create user profiles, respond to agencies volunteer needs, and manage their hours directly online. Create your profile here.

Michigan Student Service Award

The Michigan Student Service Award (MSSA) Program is a way of recognizing high school graduates who volunteer a significant number of hours to benefit their community through service and volunteerism during the course of their high school careers. Students involved in the Michigan Student Service Award program will complete and document 400 hours over four years of non-paid community service that meet a recognized community need, under the auspices of a nonprofit organization, government program, community group or school. The following types of activities qualify for certification by the Volunteer Center:

Direct Service, such as river clean up, mentoring, tutoring, spending time with a nursing home resident, participation in a National Day of Service project etc....

Indirect Service, such as computer data entry, fundraising, food collection, board or committee work for a nonprofit;

Civic Engagement, advocacy or community organizing, such as beautification, mural painting, community surveys;

Periodically, students complete an evaluation form and reflective summary of their experience, which builds in a learning piece, as well as an outcome measurement component.

Recognition usually takes place at the high schools graduation honors event. Students receive:

An Honor medallion, to be worn at commencement exercises

A Certificate of Distinction for Commitment to Service from the Governor

Recognition by the Volunteer Center during National Volunteer Week

How can you get involved?

If you are a current Kalamazoo area high school student and would like to enroll in the Michigan Student Service Award program, please print and complete the application and return to Gryphon Place. After we have verified that we have received your application (a letter will be sent to you), you may begin documenting and collecting your 400 service hours.

How do you log your hours?

If you have received your confirmation letter once we have received your application, you can begin recording your 400 hours of service. We will note your application date and all service hours must be completed AFTER the marked date. Hours must be submitted prior to graduation (deadline updated annually).

To record these hours, simply fill out the 'Volunteer Activity Tracking Form',Here.

Questions?

If you'd like to discuss Michigan Student Service Award or need more information, please the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, at (269) 381-1510.

Presidential Volunteer Service Award

What is the Presidential Volunteer Service Award?

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award program was created as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The Award enables community organizations-as Certifying and Leadership Organizations-to amplify their gratitude by joining with the President of the United States to thank their most dedicated volunteers.

Who sponsors the program?

This program was created by the President's council on Service and Civic Participation. This council was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and encourage more people to serve. Today, the program continues as an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service, managed in partnership with Points of Light, an international nonprofit with the mission to inspire, equip, and mobilize people to take action to change the world.

How does the award program work?

The award recognizes United States citizens who have achieved the required number of hours of service between January 1st and December 31st of a given year.

Hours by Award

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Kids (5-10)

26 - 49

50 - 74

75 +

Teens (11-15)

50 - 74

75 - 99

100 +

Young Adults (16-25)

100 - 174

175 - 249

250 +

Youth are not the only ones eligible for this award. Information on other PVSA categories can be found here.

What kinds of service count toward the award?

Most forms of volunteer service count toward the award, with three main exceptions. Gryphon Place does not approve activities that (1) proselytize (promote and/or try to convert others to a religion) or (2) are done for school credit, and the PVSA program does not approve (3) court mandated community service.

Award recognition:

Along with the ultimate honor of presidential recognition, recipients will receive:

Personalized Certificate of achievement

Congratulatory letter from the president of the United States

Choice of an official pin, medallion, or coin

Need More information?

Please feel free to contact the VOC for more questions at (269)381-1510 or visit the PVSA website, Here.

Are you looking for volunteer opportunities in Kalamazoo County? Create an account and search for opportunities here.